March Newsletter

VARIEGATED VARIETIES
What causes it?

Rhipsalis showing signs of Variegation.

I have been growing succulents for many years, watching them grow in popularity. Last year, there was a nationwide shortage, demand certainly outweighed supply. There is so much enjoyment to be had in growing succulents and discovering new varieties. 

Variegated succulents are much sought after. But what causes these plants to mutate like this? Cell mutation is usually the cause, and can be either genetically inherited, or occur randomly. 

This Euphorbia ought to have the Green shoot cut from it to encourage the lighter growth.

I have a Rhipsalis that I am monitoring at the moment as it seems to have mutated and is showing signs of variegation. This type of variegation is hard to stabilize, and if I took a green shoot from this plant the variegation is not likely to form on the new plant. To propagate from this one I would need to take a variegated shoot and strike it. If you do have a variegated succulent then keep an eye on it as it is important to remove any green shoots from the plant. The green growth will eventually take over and you will lose your variegation.

Variegated
/ˈvɛːrɪəɡeɪtɪd/ adjective
exhibiting different colours, especially as irregular patches or streaks.
BOTANY: (of a plant or foliage) having or consisting of leaves that are edged or patterned in a second colour, especially white as well as green. 

We have released some new variegated plants this month

Euphorbia Neriifolia Variegated
Limited stock

Aeonium Kiwi
A favourite and is easy to grow especially in the garden.

Crassula Volkensii variegated
Variegated ground cover, with green and cream variegation

"Kalanchoe" Bryophyllum Fedtschenkoi Variegated
Perfect for the garden.

We are in the process of adding some great new gardening products to the website, keep an eye out for those. Our plants need lots of love and care, just like us.

Enjoy!

Portulaca variegated, with some non-variegated growth.